EU Parliament’s resolution against Russian media sign of hypocrisy

Date of publication: 24 11 2016, 13:44

The European Parliament’s adoption of a resolution aimed at counteracting Russian media reflects the western hypocrisy in the sphere of freedom of speech and successful influence of Russian media on the public opinion in Europe, the director general of the SANA news agency, Ahmed Dawa, told Sputnik on Thursday.

On Wednesday, the European Parliament voted in favor of a resolution on countering Russian media outlets, such as the Sputnik news agency and the RT broadcaster. As many as 304 voted in favor the document, 179 voted against and 208 abstained. With a total of 691 officials taking part in the vote, less than half supported the resolution.

“This resolution is a sign of the western hypocrisy in debates on the freedom of media and speech. That was clearly reflected in the disgraceful position on the Russian media, especially to the Sputnik news agency and RT broadcaster that are trying to give a comprehensive, not partial picture irrespective of the agenda. Western media are giving one-sided coverage and false information about the Syrian war and the role of the Russian Aerospace Forces in fighting terrorism” Dawa said.

He noted that that the western countries were annoyed with objective coverage of events provided by Russian media.

“All statements about free media in Europe are fake. The European press reflects the European policy in various aspects, at the same time they falsify information, do not tell truth,” Dawa said.

He also said that that Russian media managed to expand their influence and can now compete with such western media as the CNN and Fox News broadcasters.

“War against Russian media is a proof of their success in influencing the public opinion in Europe and the United States, which is annoying the Europeans. They do not need opinions in media except their own ones,” Dawa added.

Sputnik responded to adoption of the resolution by calling the move a direct violation of media freedom and human rights, while Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the matter by pointing out that the document indicates a degradation of democracy in the West. Praising Sputnik and RT for their work, the president expressed hope that real media restrictions would not follow.